YearToAvoid

2009 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2009 Lexus RX ranks 12th of 21 model years with a complaint index of 45 and a Good verdict, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other RX years. NHTSA lists 34 complaints, no recalls, and one crash with one injury.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
45/100
#12 of 21 RX years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
34
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
0
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2012
rated Best

Top 2009 Lexus RX problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine13 (38%)
  2. Other10 (29%)
  3. Steering5 (15%)
  4. Airbags3 (9%)
  5. Electrical System3 (9%)
  6. Structure & Body3 (9%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
  8. Brakes1 (3%)
  9. Fuel System1 (3%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain1 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the driver's side airbag failing to deploy during a crash at around 40 mph.
  • Steering rack and pinion boots developed leaks with power steering fluid seeping out, often described as a common issue.
  • Sudden loss of throttle response followed by a delayed, aggressive acceleration when pressing the accelerator at low speed.
  • A water pump failed without warning, triggering warning lights and smoke from the engine while driving.
  • An oil cooler rubber hose ruptured, leaving a large oil puddle under the parked vehicle.
  • Interior leather seats cracked and peeled, and the dashboard cracked and appeared to melt.
2009 Lexus RX complaints: complaints filed per month3Jan 2010Sep 2014Aug 2016Dec 2019Apr 2021Mar 2022Jun 2023Feb 2026
34 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2010 to Feb 2026; peak Sep 2019 (3).

2009 Lexus RX recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2009 compared with other RX years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Good4058026
2008Caution5570025
2009Good45340—
2010Avoid7576029.5
2011Caution5029028.5

All Lexus RX years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Lexus RX reliable?
Compared to other RX model years, the 2009 rates Good, ranking 12th out of 21 years with a complaint index of 45. NHTSA lists 34 complaints and no recalls for this year.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lexus RX?
Engine complaints make up 38% of reports, followed by steering issues at 15%. Engine problems showed up at a median mileage of 125,000, while steering issues appeared much earlier, around 59,100 miles.
Does the 2009 Lexus RX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Lexus RX.
Which Lexus RX model years should I avoid?
Based on complaint index, the 2010, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025 RX years rate Avoid, with 2021 having the highest complaint index at 100. The 2009 model year is not in that group.
Did any 2009 Lexus RX complaints involve crashes or injuries?
Yes, NHTSA recorded one crash and one injury tied to the 34 complaints filed for the 2009 RX, involving an airbag that failed to deploy.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.